DARK WORDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23003, 2 April 1938, Page 15

DARK WORDS

IL DUCE'S SPEECH THIRD CAMPAIGN CAPITALS PUZZLED SINISTER INFERENCES POSSIBILITY OF WAR By Telegraph—Press Association —-Copyright LONDON, April 1 The purpose of'Signor Mussolini's speech to the Italian Senate in which he referred to "the third great campaign" in which he would lead the nation, and the question against whom was the speech aimed, are causing considerable speculation in the British press. Many quarters regard it as a grave warning.

The Manchester Guardian considers it is a warning to France not to intervene while General Franco finishes off the Government forces and n reminder to Mr. Chamberlain that Italian intervention in Spain must not be allowed to interfere with the conversations between Britain and Italy.

Sentences such as, "certain passes being hermetically" sealed, the,whole great circle of the Alps will bo impassable," suggest ft warning to Germany, says the Guardian, not to presume too far on the famous axis. Approaching Zero Hour The British United Press Home correspondent says Fascist circles are frankly puzzled at Signor Mussolini's pointed references to a third campaign. Second thoughts admittedly give the words a more sinister ring. Fascists confess that the speech reveals serious pro-occupation with the possibility of a European Avar.

Foreign diplomats place heavy emphasis on a reference in the speech to defence against bombing, which stated: "All able to organise their existence in smaller cities and towns throughout the country would do well to carry it out now and not wait for the zero hour. If something happens to-morrow, everythiug interfering with mobilisation will be forbidden, which will be so much worse for the negligent and tardy." Observers interpret this as a grave warning and an indication that Signor Mussolini considers the zero hour approaching. Enemies of Fascism Signor Mussolini's reference to a third campaign is generally accepted in Rome to mean a warning of stringent measures to suppress the enemies of Fascism at home and abroad.

The journal Gazetta del Popolo says: "During the last few days Britain and Franco have shown that there are people who mean to start a war against Fascism. Very well; Fascism has uttered a warning through the mouth of II Duee."

The Australian Associated Press says that whatever is behind Signor Mussolini's speech, official quarters in London say they do not see the slightest hearing on the negotiations between Britain and Italy. On the contrary, these are progressing faster than was anticipated.

The claim of 11 Duce's ability to mobilise 9.000,000 men is thought to be a reminder to Germans on the Brenner Pass, and simultaneously for Herr Hitler's consumption beforo coming to Home on May 2. Protection of Rights The Home correspondent of the Times says the Fascist press is very satisfied with the effect abroad of Signor Mussolini's speech. Replying to a question as to whom "this array of force was aimed against," Signor Gavda states: "Fascist Italy threatens nobody. She merely wishes to protect her rights and ensure that her voice will be heard equally with that of any other great Power when affairs of the world are being discussed." Herr Hitler telegraphed to Signor Mussolini his sincere greetings on the conferment upon him of the title of Marshal of the Empire, adding wishes for the greatness of Fascist Italy.